Birth control and family planning

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Barrier methods of birth control - series	Before and after vasectomy	Birth control pill - series	Cervical cap
Hormone-based contraceptives	Intrauterine device	Side sectional view of female reproductive system	The diaphragm
The male condom	Tubal ligation	Tubal ligation - series	Vaginal ring

COMBINATION BIRTH CONTROL PILLS

• Also called oral contraceptives or just the "pill", this method combines the hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation.
• A health care provider must prescribe birth control pills.
• The method is highly effective if the woman remembers to take her pill consistently each day.
• Women who experience unpleasant side effects on one type of pill are usually able to adjust to a different type.
• About 2 to 3 pregnancies occur over 1 year out of 100 women who never miss a pill.
• Birth control pills may cause a number of side effects including: Dizziness, irregular menstrual cycles, nausea, mood changes, and weight gain. In rare cases, they can lead to high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

THE MINI-PILL

• The "mini-pill" is a type of birth control pill that contains only progestin, no estrogen.
• It is an alternative for women who are sensitive to estrogen or cannot take estrogen for other reasons.
• The effectiveness of progestin-only oral contraceptives is slightly less than that of the combination type. About 3 pregnancies occur over a 1 year period in 100 women using this method.
• Risks include irregular bleeding, weight gain, and breast tenderness.

THREE-MONTH PILL (SEASONALE)

• In 2003, the FDA-approved an estrogen and progestin pill called Seasonale. It is taken for three straight months, followed by one week of inactive pills.
• A women gets her period about four times a year, during the 13th week of her cycle.
• Seasonale is available by prescription.
• Fewer than 2 out of 100 women per year get pregnant using this method.
• The risks are similar to other birth control pills. Some women may have more spotting between periods.
• The pills must be taken daily, preferably at the same time of day.

PROGESTIN IMPLANTS

• Implants are small rods implanted surgically beneath the skin, usually on the upper arm. The rods release a continuous dose of progestin to prevent ovulation.
• Implants work for 5 years. The initial cost is generally higher than some other methods, but the overall cost may be less over the 5-year period.
• The Norplant implant has been removed from the U.S. market.  A similar implanted rod system, Implanon, is available in Europe, but not available in the U.S.
• Less than 1 pregnancy occurs over 1 year out of 100 women using this type of contraception.